The taut underpinnings arm the Si with a lively disposition in the corners. The car handles exceptionally well, and feels highly predictable and composed when pushed aggressively through the twisties. Despite the relative stiffness of the suspension arrangement, the Si generates some mild body lean when tossed hard, yet the car remains balanced and solidly planted.
The firm springs do tend to harden the Si’s ride somewhat – in fact, more than I would choose to tolerate on a daily basis, but I’ve always had a predilection for comfort when it comes to the “ride versus handling” equation.
Worthy of specific mention is the outstanding forward visibility the driver is greeted to. Unlike so many other modern cars, the Si’s A-pillars are slim. The placement of a small quarter window at the base of each A-pillar enhances sight lines for the driver, especially when making right turns.
Final words
The 2012 Civic Si is notably improved over last year, thanks to more heat under the hood and superior aesthetics. Although a revised instrument panel feeds the driver with clarity it’s still an offbeat setup integrated into a dashboard that’s heavily plasticized.
With some additional cabin enhancements to soften the hard shell effect, the Si Coupe could be a standout in both performance and cabin refinement. Given its mid-20K price range, the upgrade is justified in today’s world of trickle-down “upscale” cabins.
Nonetheless, the Civic Si is a car with spirit and soul, not to mention practicality and economy. My tester averaged 8.8 L/100km in city-centric driving, and with only 240 km on its clock, it wasn’t even broken in. Fuel efficiency is likely to improve following a suitable break-in.
The firm springs do tend to harden the Si’s ride somewhat – in fact, more than I would choose to tolerate on a daily basis, but I’ve always had a predilection for comfort when it comes to the “ride versus handling” equation.
Worthy of specific mention is the outstanding forward visibility the driver is greeted to. Unlike so many other modern cars, the Si’s A-pillars are slim. The placement of a small quarter window at the base of each A-pillar enhances sight lines for the driver, especially when making right turns.
 |
| The car handles exceptionally well, and feels highly predictable and composed when pushed aggressively through the twisties. (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com) |
Final words
The 2012 Civic Si is notably improved over last year, thanks to more heat under the hood and superior aesthetics. Although a revised instrument panel feeds the driver with clarity it’s still an offbeat setup integrated into a dashboard that’s heavily plasticized.
With some additional cabin enhancements to soften the hard shell effect, the Si Coupe could be a standout in both performance and cabin refinement. Given its mid-20K price range, the upgrade is justified in today’s world of trickle-down “upscale” cabins.
Nonetheless, the Civic Si is a car with spirit and soul, not to mention practicality and economy. My tester averaged 8.8 L/100km in city-centric driving, and with only 240 km on its clock, it wasn’t even broken in. Fuel efficiency is likely to improve following a suitable break-in.
Article Gallery